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Throughout Europe, countless cathedrals stand as testaments to faith, history, and stunning craftsmanship. From modernist masterpieces to centuries-old havens, we present a selection of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in Norway

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund parish church in northern Norway is a remarkable example of 20th-century architecture. Its clean, graceful facade mirrors the surrounding scenery and echoes historic Sami dwellings. Within, visitors will find what are arguably the most cozy church benches anyone could ever sit on. A breathtaking glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not be for everyone, but it exudes a profound sense of majesty. Exiting this magnificent structure after an organ recital to witness the northern lights flickering in the sky is an awe-inspiring moment.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in the French Riviera

I never understood what people find in old churches. The Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez was different.

Its grounds filled with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular panorama of the city. A graveyard there holds the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the tiny sanctuary that genuinely captures the essence of a church. Although it would never compare to grander buildings, that is exactly the point. It has quietly absorbed generations of belief. Being there evoked a feeling beyond mere calm or serenity; it was a deep realization of the comfort these places can provide.

Cupolas and Round Churches in Brescia, Italy

Nestled within a maze of squares and narrow streets, Brescia's Baroque Duomo Nuovo is a prime example of Italy's ecclesiastical art, featuring exquisite marble and imposing domes. However, the true highlight of the complex is the Old Cathedral, completed in the 12th century. This romanesque rotunda, including an underground crypt, is brimming with history and character. Together, Brescia's cathedrals act as a microcosm of the country's changing building styles.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

South of Essen in the town of this location stands one of the world's most breathtaking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as the Neviges Pilgrimage Church, is a modernist triumph constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven galleries of concrete and dazzling coloured windows form a lofty, light-filled interior of warmth that challenges simple categorization as "brutalist". Adding to the appeal of this tourist-free destination is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, an amazing feat of transport engineering.

Alpine Vistas from Lausanne Cathedral

Perched high above Lausanne, the Gothic cathedral offers views that extend from the charming old town all the way to the Lake Geneva and the far-off Alps. Entry to the cathedral is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the spire. Beyond its remarkable medieval structure and breathtaking panoramas, this 800-year-old building presents a diverse programme of no-cost concerts, exhibitions, and activities, making it a popular cultural hub in Switzerland's most vibrant artistic city.

A Chapel of Peace Built by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving encounter with the skill and devotion of its creators. In the Second World War, at the request of the chaplain, artist Domenico Chiocchetti and his fellow prisoners converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. Using leftover materials of whatever they could find, they fashioned a beautiful space full of hope and serenity during a global conflict—an inspiring site to see decades later.

Writhing Stone Figures of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez towers over the skyline for kilometres around. Perched high up above the Aveyron River, this immense, castle-like Gothic marvel has weathered hundreds of years of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a awe-inspiring space of vaulted ceilings and towering columns, all framing a colossal pipe organ. Its intricately carved pews and misericords are worn smooth by ages. One's attention, however, is frequently drawn to the mesmerizing leer of the hundreds of twisting gargoyles that appear to erupt from the outside stonework. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like ancient guardians of this striking basilica.

Mysterious Beauty in an English Meadow

The church of St Oswald in Widford sits in a remote field, reachable solely by a uneven track. Leaving your car on a adjacent verge, you make their way towards a building that resembles a barn from a far away. The building is mostly from the 13th century, but inside, evidence of an earlier pre-Norman church become visible. Excavations have uncovered Roman floor mosaics and fragments of medieval wall paintings. Box pews from the 1700s are still in situ. The overall effect is one of mysterious, beautiful, and powerful tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

The village, near Veliko Tarnovo, is the location of one of the most magnificent churches anyone could imagine. From the outside, the Nativity Church is quite unassuming—a feature perhaps designed to avoid attention during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, in contrast, is a different story entirely. Virtually every surface is adorned with vibrant Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly breathtaking and immersive.

Featured Recommendation: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

The small church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 12th century, is architecturally quite ordinary. Its remarkable feature, however, lies in its windows. Every single one were created by the renowned artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a memorial window dedicated to a local couple's daughter. Chagall was so taken with the church that he decided to create the other panes, a task completed in 1985. The windows showcase a dazzling range of blues. Sitting amidst this cascade of colour in a serene setting is a blissful experience. Entry to this unique place is free.